Donation from Fry’s Food Stores to aid firefighters in heat illness treatment

PHOENIX, AZ — On Friday, Phoenix District 7 Councilman Carlos Galindo-Elvira announced a $3,000 donation from Fry’s Food Stores to support the Phoenix Fire Department’s heat illness treatment efforts.

Representatives from the Phoenix Fire Department and Fry’s Food Stores, including Pam Giannonatti, attended the event, which featured a demonstration of the department’s fast-cooling method and the presentation of gift cards.

The $3,000 donation, provided in the form of $50 gift cards for each of Phoenix’s 60 fire stations, will help purchase ice for the fast-cooling method used in treating heat-related illnesses. This method involves immersing patients in a cooling bag filled with ice when their temperature exceeds 104 degrees, and they exhibit altered mental status. Firefighter-paramedics monitor vital signs and remove patients from the bag once their temperature drops to 101 degrees.

“Partnerships like these are essential in Phoenix during the summer months,” said Councilman Galindo-Elvira. “The fast-cooling method is used multiple times a day to battle heat illness and emergencies. This donation will greatly assist our fire department in purchasing ice throughout the summer, which has proven to be a crucial component in their life-saving efforts.”

Phoenix Fire Chief Mike Duran emphasized the importance of this donation, especially during extreme heat. “With Councilman Carlos Galindo-Elvira’s support and the donation from Fry’s Food Stores, this bolsters the Phoenix Fire Department’s efforts in responding to emergencies, ensuring that firefighters and paramedics have the resources they need to perform their life-saving duties effectively,” Duran said.

“Fry’s is always focused on supporting the communities where we live and work,” said Fry’s Food Stores President Monica Garnes. “We are proud to partner with the Phoenix Fire Department to help save the lives of Arizonans. We’re grateful to Councilman Galindo-Elvira and Phoenix Firefighters for all they do to keep our community safe, especially during these hot summer months.”